Kirk Maltby re-signs with Wings, Derek Meech heads to waivers

After a lengthy wait during the off-season, Kirk Maltby has finally re-signed with the Red Wings. Meanwhile, Derek Meech is being placed on waivers.

Red Wings’ GM Ken Holland may just have all the pieces in place finally. After weeks of hearing no news on the status of veteran Kirk Maltby’s contract, let alone if the winger would be signed anywhere, the Detroit Red Wings finally signed him. The catch? It’s a two-way deal.

The initial problem with wanting to re-sign Maltby is that the Red Wings already have fourteen forwards on one-way contracts; adding Maltby would only cause more headaches for Holland and head coach Mike Babcock. Not many veterans who have played over 1,000 NHL games want to play in the AHL, but Maltby is happy about his two-way contract because he can stay in Detroit. He’s ready to prove himself at training camp in two weeks.The two-way contract awards Maltby $525,000 if he makes the Wings’ roster, $105,000 if he heads to Grand Rapids.

In fourteen seasons with the Red Wings, he has 103 goals and 212 points and has been one of the more successful penalty killers for the Red Wings.

With so many forwards on one-way contracts and not enough roster space, Holland has decided to put left winger/defenseman Derek Meech on waivers, hoping he clears them without any interference. Last season, Meech filled in on the injury-riddled Red Wings roster, playing in 49 games and getting two goals and six points.

Christina Roberts
Detroit Red Wings Correspondent
christina.roberts@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @franzenmuth